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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 02/05/2013 - FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 019, 2013, DESIGNATDATE: February 5, 2013 STAFF: Josh Weinberg AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL 22 SUBJECT First Reading of Ordinance No. 019, 2013, Designating the Olyn and Ann Price Property, 1509 Westview Avenue, as a Fort Collins Landmark Pursuant to Chapter 14 of the City Code. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The owner of the property, Anne C. Colwell, is initiating this request for Fort Collins Landmark designation for the Olyn and Ann Price Property at 1509 Westview Avenue. The property is eligible for designation as a Landmark under Designation Standards 2 and 3, for its association with significant persons and also for its architectural significance to Fort Collins. BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION The residence was the home of Olyn Price, a construction supervisor working with architect James Hunter on the site planning and expansive construction of Colorado State University’s campus during the 1950s and 1960s. Architecturally, this resource represents a mid-1950s Modern Movements style residence. The Modern Movement in architecture is a vague term used to speak generally of buildings that emphasize functionalism and rationalism in design, while utilizing contemporary methods of construction and contrasting designs with historical precedents and traditional building techniques. Void of traditional form and detail, the style is often seen in architect-designed homes of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Gable-roof subtypes of the style reflect influences of early modernism, such as the Craftsman or Prairie styles. The building, as an excellent example of Modern-Contemporary architecture, is an unusually detailed specimen of this housing type within Fort Collins. Construction of this home began in 1955. The James M. Hunter architecture firm designed the building and the owner, Olyn Price, drew the floor plan and interior details. Local builders, John Rostek and Robert Layland, constructed the home to the specifications. Character-defining features of the Modern Movements style featured in this residence include horizontal orientation, dominant stone chimney, facade window wall, and the single-car attached carport. Within three years of construction, an extension of the kitchen occurred to the west, creating a laundry area, space for a dishwasher, and the addition of a rear door. Minimal construction changes occurred in the following fifty years, causing the home to retain a preponderance of historic integrity. Additionally, according to the Colorado Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, this house is eligible for individual listing in the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties under Criterion C for its architectural importance. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on First Reading. BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION At a public hearing held on December 12, 2012, the Landmark Preservation Commission voted unanimously to recommend designation of this property under Designation Standards (2) and (3), for its association with significant persons and also for its architectural significance to Fort Collins. February 5, 2013 -2- ITEM 22 ATTACHMENTS 1. Location map 2. Historic Landmark Designation Nomination Form and Agreement 3 Staff Report 4. Photos 5. Resolution 2, 2013, Landmark Preservation Commission, Recommending Landmark Designation of the Olyn and Anne Price Property at 1509 Westview Avenue. SheldonPark Lake City C ity Park Ave Crestmore Pl S Bryan Ave Sheldon Dr Birch St Westview Ave Cook Dr Lakeside Ave S B ry a n A ve Birch St Westview Ave W Mulberry St © Fort Collins 1509 Westview Landmark Avenue Designation These map products and all underlying data are developed for use by the City of Fort Collins for its internal purposes only, and were not designed or intended for general use by members of the public. The City makes no representation or warranty as to its accuracy, timeliness, or completeness, and in particular, its accuracy in labeling or displaying dimensions, contours, property boundaries, or placement of location of any map features thereon. THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS MAKES NO WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR WARRANTY FOR FITNESS OF USE FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THESE MAP PRODUCTS OR THE UNDERLYING DATA. Any users of these map products, map applications, or data, accepts same AS IS, WITH ALL FAULTS, and assumes all responsibility of the use thereof, and further covenants and agrees to hold the City harmless from and against all damage, loss, or liability arising from any use of this map product, in consideration of the City's having made this information available. Independent verification of all data contained herein should be obtained by any users of these products, or underlying data. The City disclaims, and shall not be held liable for any and all damage, loss, or liability, whether direct, indirect, or consequential, which arises or may arise from these map products or the use thereof by any person or entity. 1 inch = 225 feet Aerial Site Map ATTACHMENT 1 Revised 09-2004 Page 1 Fort Collins Landmark Designation LOCATION INFORMATION: Address: 1509 Westview Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521 Legal Description: Lot 7, The Miller Brothers Subdivision; Located in the Southeast Quarter of Section 10, Township 7 North, Range 69 West of the Sixth Principal Meridian; City of Fort Collins, County of Larimer, State of Colorado Property Name (historic and/or common): Olyn and Ann Price Property OWNER INFORMATION: Name: Anne C. Colwell Email: sheofte@yahoo.com Phone: 970-227-9987 Address: 1509 Westview Avenue Fort Collins, Colorado 80521 CLASSIFICATION Category Ownership Status Present Use Existing Designation Building Public Occupied Commercial Nat’l Register Structure Private Unoccupied Educational State Register Site Religious Object Residential District Entertainment Government Other FORM PREPARED BY: Name and Title: Erin L. Nuckols, Historic Preservation Intern Address: 281 North College Avenue Email: enuckols@fcgov.com Fort Collins, Colorado 80524 Phone: 970-224-6078 Relationship to Owner: None DATE: December 12, 2012 Planning, Development & Transportation Services Community Development & Neighborhood Services 281 North College Avenue P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522.0580 ATTACHMENT 2 Revised 09-2004 Page 2 TYPE OF DESIGNATION and BOUNDARIES Individual Landmark Property Landmark District Explanation of Boundaries: The boundaries of the property being designated as a Fort Collins Landmark correspond to the legal description of the property, above. SIGNIFICANCE Properties that possess exterior integrity are eligible for designation as Fort Collins Landmarks or Fort Collins Landmark Districts if they meet one (1) or more of the following standards for designation: Standard 1: The property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of history; Standard 2: The property is associated with the lives of persons significant in history; Standard 3: The property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; Standard 4: The property has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE (Please describe why the property is significant, relative to the Standard(s) above.) The Olyn and Ann Price Property at 1509 Westview Avenue is eligible for individual designation as a Fort Collins Landmark under Designation Standards 2 and 3, for its association with a prominent individual in Fort Collins history and for its architectural significance to Fort Collins. Associated with the Price family for nearly its entire fifty-six year history, Olyn Price was a partner with James M. Hunter & Associates, which was the architectural firm responsible for creating a master plan for the Colorado State University campus. Price supervised the construction of numerous Hunter-designed buildings at Colorado State University during the 1950s and 1960s. Architecturally, this resource represents a mid-1950s Modern Movements home. Character-defining features include horizontal orientation, dominant stone chimney, façade window wall, and single-car attached carport. Additionally, according to the Colorado Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, this house is eligible for individual listing in the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties under Criterion C for its architectural importance. Revised 09-2004 Page 3 HISTORICAL INFORMATION The home at 1509 Westview Avenue belonged to Olyn L. and Ann L. Price for nearly its entire history. Born in 1917, Olyn worked various positions in the Texas construction industry prior to enlisting with the Navy in the wake of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. He served as a Carpenter’s Mate 1st Class and was injured in the Pacific theatre during a construction accident. Olyn met his future wife Ann during his recovery in a convalescent hospital in Ashville, North Carolina. The couple married four months after their initial meeting, on April 29, 1945. The Prices lived in various locations around the United States – including Arvada, CO where Olyn worked as industrial construction supervisor at Rocky Flats from 1951-1953 – following their marriage and before settling in Fort Collins in 1953. Initially living on Gordon Street, Olyn and Ann had three children: Leslie, Steven, and Jon. In Fort Collins, Olyn worked as a superintendent for the James M. Hunter & Associates architectural firm. This firm created a master plan for the Colorado A&M (now Colorado State University (CSU)) Main Campus, as well as many other civic, residential, educational, commercial, and organizational projects throughout the state. Hunter is renowned as a pioneer in architectural research, particularly in “active solar design,” and for his use of modern materials and architecture in all of the buildings he designed. The GI Bill increased educational needs throughout the state, increasing enrollment at universities like CSU. Conversion of military buildings on campus to support the overflow of students and a mass housing crisis prompted the Chamber of Commerce and Board of Realtors to inventory housing options throughout Fort Collins. In this context, CSU administration began a major construction campaign, especially focused on housing engineering, agriculture, and the humanities. The University chose a modern/contemporary aesthetic for their structures, forgoing the traditional “academic” styles of East Coast Universities. Instead, Hunter designed rigid, geometric, and masculine structures for the campus that utilized modern materials like concrete, aluminum, and glass. Some design elements in the CSU structures parallel those of the residence at 1509 Westview, most notably the use of stone detailing, ribbon windows, and geometric shapes. Olyn Price supervised the construction of numerous Hunter-designed buildings at CSU during the 1950s and 1960s, including the dormitories on Laurel Avenue, Rockwell Hall, the Lory Student Center and Theatre, the Morgan Library, the Engineering and Plant Sciences buildings, as well as the Danforth Chapel where Hunter is entombed. Price died on a construction site accident in 1970 when a gas explosion occurred at Keystone Lodge in the resort town of Keystone, CO. Following her husband’s death, Anne Price served as a Residence Hall Secretary at Newsome Hall on the CSU campus from 1971 to 1987. Many referred to her as their “Dorm Mom.” In an oral history account, Olyn and Anne’s daughter Lesley recalled how drastically Fort Collins changed during the time her family resided at 1509 Westview. When the family first had the home constructed, they chose the location because of its proximity to City Park’s recreational area and swimming pool, the walkability to schools, and increasing suburban lifestyle. Furthermore, when the family first moved into the home, there were few trees and the corner of City Park Street and Crestmore Place was still a working strawberry farm. Today, the surrounding neighborhoods have been developed and nearby roads, particularly West Mulberry Street, have become busy thoroughfares. In 2001, Mrs. Price transferred ownership of the 1509 Westview property in a Quit Claim deed to all three of the Price children. She passed away on December 17, 2009 and Anne C. Colwell purchased the home in August of the following year. Mrs. Colwell, a third-generation native of Fort Collins, works as an English teacher at Fort Collins High School. Revised 09-2004 Page 4 ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION Construction Date: 1955 Architect: James Hunter & Associates – Olyn Price Builders: John Rostack and Bill Layland Building Materials: Siding - Wood/Vertical Siding; Roofing materials - Built-up Rock Architectural Style: Modern Movements Description: Oriented to the north, the home rests on a concrete foundation. The square-shaped building features vertical siding painted a light tan color and a side gabled roof covered in built-up rock. The roof features overhanging eaves and there is a large stone chimney piercing the roof and dominating the east elevation of the house. Four large fixed pane windows create a window wall along approximately two-thirds of the façade running from the northeast corner of the house. A single-car attached carport comprises the remaining third of the façade and is located at the northwest corner of the building. The house number appears on the vertical siding portion of the carport. The east elevation has two windows: a large fixed pane window similar to those on the façade on the north side of the dominant chimney and a square four-light window on the south side of this feature. The majority of the west elevation, comprised of the length of the carport, is faced in vertical siding. There is a fixed-pane, two-light, irregularly shaped window located high under the eaves at the southwest corner of the home. The rear elevation contains various groupings of two-light windows, similar to those on the side elevations. The rear elevation also features a small patio – which is accessed by a wooden door leading to the interior laundry room – and is located to the south of the carport, in an area of open space created by the extension of the primary sloping roof past that of the sloping portion behind the carport. Construction of the home began in 1955. The James M. Hunter architecture firm designed the building and the owner, Olyn Price, drew the floor plan and interior details. As mentioned above, Mr. Price worked for Hunter’s architecture firm as a construction supervisor. Local builders, John Rostek and Robert Layland, constructed the home to the specifications.1 An analysis of the style, building materials, and other historical records corroborate this date of construction. Within three years of construction, an extension of the kitchen occurred to the west, creating a laundry area, space for a dishwasher, and the addition of a rear door. Minimal construction changes occurred in the proceeding fifty years. In 1992, Anne Price re-roofed the home, removing the existing surface of rock and prime and adding 3-ply type IV felt covered in a combination of rock and asphalt. She also installed a new sprinkler system in 1999. The Modern Movement in architecture is a vague term used to speak generally of buildings that emphasize functionalism and rationalism in design, while utilizing contemporary methods of construction and contrasting designs with historical precedents and traditional building techniques. Void of traditional form and detail, the style is often seen in architect-designed homes of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Gable-roof subtypes of the style reflect influences of early modernism, such as the Craftsman or Prairie styles. The home at 1509 Westview exhibits many of these characteristics, such as its low-pitched gable roof, contrasting material textures, and exposed roof beams under the overhanging eaves. Character-defining features of the Modern Movement evident at 1509 Westview Avenue include horizontal orientation, dominant stone chimney, façade window wall, single-car attached carport, wide-eave overhangs, a low-pitched roof with exposed supporting beams, contrasting materials and textures, and some unusual window placement. The home exhibits a high level of physical integrity relative to the seven aspects of integrity as defined by the National Park Service and the Colorado Historical Society: location, setting, design, materials, workmanship, association, and feeling. Additions of a laundry room and rear door have only a minimal impact upon overall integrity, but are 1 Fort Collins City Directory, 1957 – listed as the owner of John Rostek Construction Company, living at 136 North Shields. Robert Layland, listed as partner in Layland-Rostek Construction Company, located at 1516 West Mountain Avenue. Revised 09-2004 Page 5 in line with the historic movements of the era. This building retains sufficient physical integrity to convey its architectural significance for listing on the National and State Registers of Historic Places, and as a Fort Collins Landmark. Revised 09-2004 Page 6 REFERENCE LIST or SOURCES of INFORMATION (attach a separate sheet if needed) “Ann L. Price.” http://www.tributes.com/show/Ann-Price-87407299. Accessed November 7, 2012. “Architectural Inventory Form.” Historitecture. Denver, Colorado. www.historitecture.com. Accessed November 7, 2012. Fort Collins City Directory, 1956- 2001. Fort Collins, Colorado. Harris, Cindy and Adam Thomas. “’Fort Collins E-X-P-A-N-D-S’ The City’s Postwar Development 1945-1969.” Colorado State Historical Fund Grant Project 08-02-031, Advance Planning Department. City of Fort Collins, June 2011. Harris, Cyril M. American Architecture: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1998. Interview with Leslie Dayton Esselburn, Summer 2009. McAlester, Virginia and Lee. A Field guide to American Houses. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2009. Tax Assessor Property Records. Larimer County, Colorado. LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION December 12, 2012 STAFF REPORT REQUEST: Fort Collins Landmark Designation of 1509 Westview Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado STAFF CONTACT: Josh Weinberg, Historic Preservation Planner; Erin Nuckols, Historic Pres. Intern APPLICANT: Anne C. Colwell, Owner BACKGROUND: Staff is pleased to present for your consideration the Fort Collins Landmark designation of the Olyn and Anne Price Property, at 1509 Westview Avenue. The property has individual significance to Fort Collins under Landmark Preservation Standards (2) and (3) for its association with a prominent individual in Fort Collins history, Olyn Price, and as an excellent representation of Modern Movements-style architecture. Associated with the Price family for nearly its entire fifty-six year history, Olyn Price was a partner with James M. Hunter & Associates, which was the architectural firm responsible for creating a master plan for the Colorado State University (CSU) campus. Price supervised the construction of numerous Hunter-designed buildings at CSU during the 1950s and 1960s, including the dormitories on Laurel Avenue, Rockwell Hall, the Lory Student Center and Theatre, the Morgan Library, the Engineering and Plant Sciences buildings, as well as the Danforth Chapel where Hunter is entombed. Architecturally, this resource represents a mid-1950s Modern Movements style residence. The Modern Movement in architecture is a vague termed used to speak generally of buildings that emphasize functionalism and rationalism in design, while utilizing contemporary methods of construction and contrasting designs with historical precedents and traditional building techniques. Void of traditional form and detail, the style is often seen in architect-designed homes of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Gable-roof subtypes of the style reflect influences of early modernism, such as the Craftsman or Prairie styles. Construction of this home began in 1955. The James M. Hunter architecture firm designed the building and the owner, Olyn Price, drew the floor plan and interior details. As mentioned above, Mr. Price worked for Hunter’s architecture firm as a construction supervisor. Local builders, John Rostek and Robert Layland, constructed the home to the specifications. An analysis of the style, building materials, and other historical records corroborate this date of construction. Character-defining features of the Modern Movements style features in this residence include horizontal orientation, dominant stone chimney, façade window wall, and the single-car attached carport. Within three years of construction, an extension of the kitchen occurred to the west, creating a laundry area, space for a dishwasher, and the addition of a rear door. Minimal construction changes occurred in the proceeding fifty years, causing the home to retain a preponderance of historic integrity. Additionally, according to the Colorado Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, this house is eligible for individual listing in the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties under Criterion C for its architectural importance. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approving the request for designation of the Olyn and Anne Price Property, at 1509 Westview Avenue, under Standards (2) and (3), for its association with prominent Fort Collins individual Olyn Price, as well as for its excellent representation of the Modern Movements architectural style. Planning, Development & Transportation Services Community Development & Neighborhood Services 281 North College Avenue P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522.0580 ATTACHMENT 3 1509 W The N Westview A Olyn and North Northern and Avenue, Fo d Ann Pric hern Elevatio d Eastern El ort Collins ce Propert on levations , CO ty ATTACHMENT 4 West South ern Elevatio hern Elevatio on on Southern and Eastern Elevations Western and Southern elevations Southern Elevation Interior View ATTACHMENT 5 ORDINANCE NO. 019, 2013 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS DESIGNATING THE OLYN AND ANN PRICE PROPERTY, 1509 WESTVIEW AVENUE, FORT COLLINS, COLORADO, AS A FORT COLLINS LANDMARK PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 14 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 14-2 of the City Code, the City Council has established a public policy encouraging the protection, enhancement and perpetuation of landmarks within the City; and WHEREAS, by Resolution dated January 16, 2013, the Landmark Preservation Commission (the "Commission") has determined that the Olyn and Ann Price Property has significance to Fort Collins under Landmark Designation Standards (2) and (3), for its association with prominent individuals in Fort Collins history, local architect James Hunter and his construction supervisor Olyn Price, and as an excellent example of Modern Contemporary architecture in Fort Collins; and WHEREAS, the Commission has further determined that said property meets the criteria of a landmark as set forth in Section 14-5 of the City Code and is eligible for designation as a landmark, and has recommended to the City Council that said property be designated by the City Council as a landmark; and WHEREAS, the owner of the property, Anne C. Colwell, has consented to such landmark designation; and WHEREAS, such landmark designation will preserve the property's significance to the community; and WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the recommendation of the Commission and desires to approve such recommendation and designate said property as a landmark. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS as follows: Section 1. That the property known as the Olyn and Ann Price Property, and the adjacent lands upon which the historical resources are located in the City of Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado, described as follows, to wit: Lot 7, The Miller Brothers Subdivision; Located in the Southeast Quarter of Section 10, Township 7 North, Range 69 West of the Sixth Principal Meridian; City of Fort Collins, County of Larimer, State of Colorado be designated as a Fort Collins Landmark in accordance with City Code Chapter 14. Section 2. That the criteria in Section 14-48 of the City Code will serve as the standards by which alterations, additions and other changes to the buildings and structures located upon the above described property will be reviewed for compliance with Chapter 14, Article III, of the City Code. Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 5th day of February, A.D. 2013, and to be presented for final passage on the 19th day of February, A.D. 2013. _________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________ City Clerk Passed and adopted on final reading on the 19th day of February, A.D. 2013. _________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________ City Clerk